by Joan Jonker
‘I won’t have to coax you! It’s Gordon I’ll have to coax, to kiss Ruthie. If I’m nice to him he might give her two kisses, and if you stick to your words, I’ll get the same.’
Young and happy to be friends again, the pair caught up with Gordon and Ruthie, swinging hands and laughing with pleasure. When Gordon saw them he raised his brow at Ruthie and said, ‘I told yer so, didn’t I?’
When the two boys had gone out, Ellen asked Corker, very casually, ‘Are yer going for a drink tonight, love?’
‘I will be, me darlin’, but not until later. Why do you ask?’
‘Well, while Dorothy and Phoebe are both in, I thought we could discuss the bridesmaids’ dresses. Time is marching on, and I don’t want to be rushing everything at the last minute, I’d be out of me mind. So I wondered if yer’d be an angel and go for an early pint.’
‘Surely my being here won’t stop you from talking shop? I won’t be in the way. I’ll read the paper and have a ciggy, and yer won’t know I’m here.’
‘Corker, we three females want to talk without a man being present. And it’s not often Dorothy and Phoebe are both in at the same time.’
Dorothy, a year younger than Phoebe, was courting a nice lad, and she saw him nearly every night. But she’d put him off that night at her mother’s request. And she was eager to hear what her bridesmaid’s dress was going to be like. So she added her voice to her mother’s. ‘Go on, Dad, leave us girls to ourselves. Yer wouldn’t be interested, yer’d be bored stiff.’
‘If it’s the wedding yer’ll be nattering about, then I would be very interested, seeing as it’s my daughter who is getting married. But I can see I’m outnumbered, so like a good little boy I’ll do as I’m told and leave you in peace.’ He dwarfed everything in the room when he stood up. ‘I hope yer remember, when I come home drunk, that you were the cause.’
‘Don’t you dare come home drunk, James Corkhill,’ Ellen said, ‘filling the neighbours’ mouths.’
‘I don’t normally go out for me pint until an hour before closing time, just enough time to have two pints and a couple of ciggies. It’s only a quarter past seven now, time enough for six or seven pints. So on yer own heads be it, ladies. But I’ll try not to sing too loud, or wrap meself around a lamppost.’ With a salute, he lowered his head to get through the door, and they heard him whistling as he passed the window.
‘He won’t get drunk, will he, Mam?’ Dorothy asked. ‘Perhaps we should have let him stay in.’
‘They haven’t enough beer in the pub to get yer dad drunk,’ Ellen told her. ‘After all those years going to sea, and nothing to do when he went ashore except drink, he’s immune to it now. It has very little effect on him. He may get merry, and talk a lot, but never really drunk.’
‘Well, can we discuss the dresses now, Mam?’ Phoebe asked. ‘Have yer mentioned to Dorothy what Lily said about the colours?’
‘I haven’t, sweetheart, I thought I’d leave it to you,’ Ellen said. ‘I think it’s a marvellous suggestion, but I’m not the one who will be wearing the dress.’
Phoebe turned to her sister. ‘It was Lily McDonough who put the idea in me head, and the more I think of it the more I like it. But it’s up to you all what you want. Anyway, I’ll see what you think.’ Phoebe told her what Lily said about a dark red material looking very dramatic against a white or ivory bridal gown. ‘Can yer imagine yerself, Lily, Rosie, and the three Bennett girls, in deep wine-coloured dresses? I know it sounds unusual, but I think they would stand out against my dress. Yer could have flowers in yer hair and posies to match.’ She searched her sister’s face for her reaction. ‘Well, our Dot, what do yer think?’
‘The word wonderful comes to mind, Phoebe. I really like the idea, it would be different and very posh.’ Dorothy clasped her hands with excitement. ‘I’m definitely in favour, our kid, and I’m sure the others will be.’
‘Well, I know for sure that Lily is, for it was her suggestion. So there’s the three Bennett girls to ask, and I think Rosie will agree. I’ll nip over to Doreen’s when we’ve finished here, and Jill’s if it doesn’t get too late. If I could get them here, with Lily, we could talk about the pattern for the dresses. And the headdresses. Then apart from the making of the dresses, I’ll be straight in me head. One thing less to worry about. When I go to try my dress on, on Saturday, I’ll ask if they’d make the bridesmaids’ as well.’
‘Ay, our Phoebe, it’ll cost a fortune to have six dresses made in a posh shop. Why don’t yer try and find a dressmaker locally? It would cut the cost in half.’
‘I’ll see what the assistant in the shop says. Apart from Ruthie, who is not as tall as the others, there’s not that much difference in height and figures. If she measures Lily, she could give me a rough idea what the cost would be. I’ve got money saved up, and I want to buy the dresses, because me dad is forking out enough with paying for my dress, and the reception.’
Ellen was nodding. ‘It’s once in a lifetime, and it’s no good spoiling the ship for a ha’p’orth of tar. Now, while ye’re here, why don’t one of yer go and bring Doreen over, and the other nip up for Jill? As ye’re seeing Lily on Saturday, that only leaves Ruthie and Rosie, and they’ll be happy whatever yer choose.’
Dorothy was the first to her feet. ‘I’ll go to bring Jill down, and I can see me grandma while I’m there. I don’t see much of her, and I feel a bit guilty.’ Corker’s mother, Lizzie, wasn’t a true grandma of Ellen’s children, but they treated her like one, for they loved her dearly. ‘I won’t stay long, though, so don’t start without me.’
Phoebe stayed in Doreen’s house long enough to have a little chat to Victoria and Phil. And she grinned when she heard Doreen giving Phil his orders. ‘Don’t forget to listen for Bobby, now, so don’t have the wireless on too loud. And if he does cry, don’t lift him out of his cot because he’ll get used to it. Just put his dummy in his mouth and leave him. He’ll drop off eventually, because he’s had plenty of fresh air today.’
Crossing the cobbles to the Corkhill home, Phoebe said, ‘Yer’ve got Phil well trained by the sound of things. Does he always do as he’s told?’
‘Does he heck! He’ll do his share with the baby because he loves him, and is very proud of him. But I know my limits, and apart from tonight, with you giving me a reason to come out, I don’t push me luck. He’s a smashing husband, and a hard worker, and I love the bones of him.’
The door had been left ajar, and the couple walked in to find Jill there, with Dorothy. ‘We beat yer to it, and yer only had to go over the road. Yer can’t half jangle, our Phoebe.’
‘I was only being polite. I couldn’t just run in and drag Doreen out without having a word with Aunt Vicky.’
‘All right, stop wasting time,’ Ellen said, pulling two chairs from under the table. ‘We haven’t got all night, because we’ve got two mothers of young babies here. So sit yerself down and let Phoebe tell yer about an idea for your bridesmaids’ dresses, and see whether yer approve or not. I’ll put the kettle on for a cuppa.’
Phoebe told them she’d chosen a dress, but not the style or colour. ‘I have to try it on first. They’ll measure me, then I go back for a proper fitting. Lily is coming with me on Saturday, ’cos I’m hopeless on me own, and I can try it on and see if it’s what I want. If it is then I’ll choose me headdress and that’s me sorted. So now we have to start thinking about the dresses for the six bridesmaids. I want to hear your views on what you would like, but first listen to Lily McDonough’s suggestion. I love it, but let me know what you think.’
Ellen was in the kitchen, setting cups and saucers out as she listened to Phoebe. And she smiled when she heard excited voices all speaking at once, and all delighted with the idea of the bridesmaids wearing dresses in a deep red colour. There was a buzz of happy discussion, and Ellen was pleased for her daughter. And when she took the tray in with cups of tea and biscuits, the conversation turned to style. Phoebe had a pattern in mind, and asked if they agreed. F
ull skirts, low round necklines, and puff sleeves to the elbow. This was also greeted with nodding heads and words of agreement. Now the girls were involved in the wedding outfits, they were beginning to feel excited, and looking forward to the occasion.
‘I’ll let yer know more after Saturday, when I’ve got meself sorted out. Then things are going to have to move fast. I don’t want to leave everything until the last minute. It would be wonderful if the bridal wear shop I’m getting my dress from could do your dresses as well. I’ll ask when I go on Saturday, and keep me fingers crossed. It would take a load off me mind if we could get everything from the same shop.’ Phoebe remembered something she had to ask. ‘Oh, about shoes. They need to be silver, and I wondered if any of you had decent silver dance shoes? It would save a bit of expense if yer have, but otherwise I’ll pay for them.’
Jill and Doreen looked at each other and smiled. ‘I’ve still got mine,’ Doreen said. ‘I kept them in the hope that one day, when Bobby’s a bit older, me and Phil will be able to trip the light fantastic occasionally, when we can get someone to babysit. The shoes are silver with straps, and as good as new. So I’m sorted in that department.’
‘Me too!’ Jill told them, her lovely face lit up in a smile. ‘They are years old, but still in the box and hardly worn. Me and Steve were never dance mad, like Doreen and Phil. The plain truth is, we’re lousy dancers. So I’m all right for shoes as well, and one less worry for you.’
Doreen had a thought. ‘Yer can forget our Ruthie, too, because she’s got two pair of silver shoes. And I’m sure Rosie will have a pair.’
‘That’s everyone accounted for, then, sweetheart,’ Ellen said. ‘Our Dorothy is sorted, and I know Lily will be, because her and Archie still go dancing a few nights a week.’
Phoebe sat back in the chair. ‘I’m glad you could come over tonight. I feel a lot lighter, not so much to worry about. Except for the wedding itself, that is. I’ll be a nervous wreck, and instead of a happy, radiant bride, Paul is going to have a quivering, crying baby who wants to run home to her mam.’
‘It wouldn’t do yer any good to run home, sweetheart, because I won’t be here. I’ll be too busy enjoying meself. Someone will have to celebrate with yer new husband. And if I’m buying meself an outfit for the wedding, then I’ll want to show off. It’s not every day I get to be the mother of the bride, and I intend making the most of it.’
‘Don’t worry, Auntie Ellen,’ Doreen said. ‘With six bridesmaids, and a handsome man waiting for her at the altar, Phoebe will be in heaven when she’s walking down the aisle with Uncle Corker. A good-looking man on her arm, and another one waiting for her, what more could she ask for?’
‘If our Phoebe chickens out,’ Dorothy said, ‘then I’ll take her place. I’ve always had a soft spot for Paul McDonough.’
‘You keep yer eyes off him, our kid, if yer know what’s good for yer,’ Phoebe said. ‘Besides, yer’ve got a boyfriend, yer don’t need another.’
Jill pushed herself to her feet. ‘I think I’d better go, the baby will be ready for her feed. I’m glad I came, though, because I don’t get out very often, and now I’ve got plenty to think about, and I’ve enjoyed it.’
‘I’ll leave with yer,’ Doreen said. ‘Thanks for inviting us, Phoebe, and I hope all goes well for yer on Saturday. Let us know.’
‘Before yer dash off, can I ask yer not to tell anyone about the dresses, style or colour? I want everything to be a surprise on the day.’
‘Not a word eh, Jill?’ Doreen said. ‘Even under torture.’
Chapter Twenty-One
‘Good morning, sunshine,’ Molly said when she opened the door. ‘Dead on time as usual.’
Nellie brushed past without a word, her lips set in a straight line and her eyes like slits.
Molly pulled a face as she closed the door. ‘Yer don’t believe in the niceties of life, do yer, Nellie Mac? I thought it was a really nice morning, with the sun shining in a clear blue sky. That was before I opened the door and was greeted with a face like thunder. What’s happened to ruffle your feathers, or am I a fool for asking?’
Nellie picked her carver chair up, carried it to the table, then plonked herself down. All without a word, and her face set. And with her fingers tapping the table, she stared at the wall, ignoring her best mate. ‘Okay, if that’s the way yer want it, sunshine, it suits me,’ Molly said. ‘I’m not in the mood for talking either. So you sit and stare at that wall, and I’ll stare at the other. See who gets fed up first. It means the tea going cold, but it won’t kill us not to have a drink before we go to the shops.’
Nellie turned her head. ‘Some best mate you are, when yer keep things from me. It’s my son getting married, and yet nobody tells me nothing, not even you, what hasn’t got nothing to do with the wedding.’
‘I know I’ve got nothing to do with the wedding, sunshine, I’m very well aware of it. And I don’t know any more about it than you do. So why ye’re sitting there giving me daggers, I haven’t the faintest idea. But I do know that if looks could kill, I’d be a dead duck by now. In me own house as well!’
‘I suppose ye’re going to tell me that yer didn’t know Corker went to the pub just after seven last night, eh? And that less than twenty minutes later, your Doreen and Jill went in Ellen’s house, and were in there for an hour or more.’
Molly’s face was blank. ‘I don’t know what ye’re talking about, Nellie. I really don’t have a clue. How would I know what time Corker went to the pub? He doesn’t have to pass this window, and I wouldn’t think anything of it if he did! It’s a free country!’
‘I never said it wasn’t, girl, did I?’ Nellie knew she’d put her foot in it, ’cos she’d never thought on that Corker wouldn’t pass Molly’s on his way to the pub. ‘But what about yer two daughters? Yer can’t say yer didn’t see your Doreen come out of her house with Phoebe, because she lives right opposite, yer couldn’t miss them.’
‘Oh, yes I could! If I wasn’t being nosy, looking out of the window, then I could easily miss anything that was going on in the street. And to be quite frank with yer, Nellie, I don’t care one way or the other what goes on. If you’ve got nothing better to do, then I feel sorry for yer.’ However, even as she was talking, Molly couldn’t help being inquisitive. Corker never went to the pub that early, and it was unusual for Doreen and Jill to leave their babies when it was near their bedtime. ‘Are yer making this up, Nellie? Having me on, like?’
Now Nellie was having second thoughts. Not about Corker or the girls, ’cos she’d seen them with her own eyes. But Molly never told lies, so perhaps she didn’t know what was going on. Oh, dear, Nellie told herself, me and my big mouth. I’m in for a right lecture now, and it’s me own fault. ‘I haven’t made it up, girl, and I’m not having yer on. What I’ve told yer is what I saw, and it’s true.’
‘Is that supposed to be an apology, sunshine?’ Molly kept her face straight. ‘Yer walk in here without a by your leave, and accuse me of being underhanded. Oh, and a liar into the bargain! Well I think yer’ve got a ruddy cheek! What Corker does is his own business, he doesn’t have to answer to you for his movements. And neither do my two daughters. They’d probably tell you if yer asked them, which would be the proper thing to do, instead of coming moaning to me.’
Nellie was hard-skinned, and she was seldom sorry for anything she said, or her actions. But although she would argue with her mate until the cows came home, she didn’t like hurting her. And the thought of falling out with the one person who had been her friend, and kept her on the straight and narrow, for twenty-odd years, didn’t bear thinking about. ‘Don’t be getting all narky, girl, just because I made a mistake. How was I supposed to know yer didn’t know what was going on? They’re your daughters, and I’m not a flipping mind-reader.’
‘No, but yer’ve got a bad mind, Nellie. Yer always believe yer friends are not treating yer right because they don’t come running to yer with every bit of news they’ve got. And that is wrong be
cause nobody owes yer anything. Or me for that matter.’
Nellie gazed down at the cloth on the table for a few seconds, then looking all meek and mild asked, ‘Aren’t we having a cup of tea this morning, girl? I mean, like, yer can’t take it out on me tummy because I’ve got a bad mind. Me tummy hasn’t done yer no harm.’
‘Nellie, yer’ve got a cockeyed way of looking at life. If we all had your attitude, we wouldn’t have a civilized society, we’d have chaos!’
‘Yeah, I know that, girl.’
‘Yer know that!’ Molly’s voice was shrill. ‘Yer mean you agree?’
‘Listen, girl, I’ll agree to anything yer say. If you tell me the rain is pouring down I won’t argue with yer. Just put the bleeding kettle on before I die of thirst.’
‘Now this is where I put me foot down, Nellie Mac. I’ve put up with yer shenanigans over the years, but no more. Under no circumstances will I allow yer to die in my house. The least yer can do after us being friends for so long is to show me some consideration. So if yer feel yer time has come to kick the bucket, please go home now. And if yer have time, when yer get home, leave a note on the table for George with a loving message on. He deserves that much.’
‘Ah, give us a break, girl! Yer know I can’t write a bleeding word! I can’t even spell me own name.’
‘Yer can spell “Nellie”, and then George will know it’s from you.’
‘Ah, yes, I can spell Nellie, but that’s not me right name, is it? Me real name is Helen Theresa McDonough, and I can’t spell all that. I couldn’t even sign me marriage licence, George had to put his hand over mine and move it around. I had a pen in me hand, like, what the woman behind the desk had lent us. He did a good job of it too, did George. I didn’t even recognize meself.’
Molly opened her mouth, then closed it quickly when a little voice in her head told her she’d be wasting her time if she asked Nellie what she meant when she said she didn’t recognize herself. And time wasn’t something they had plenty of, because they were way behind today. ‘I’ll put the kettle on.’
